Propecia FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and answers about Propecia, an anti-baldness drug that has been linked to persistent sexual dysfunction in men.

What You Can Do & How We Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Propecia induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with sexual dysfunction, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

What is Propecia?

Propecia (1-mg finasteride) is a prescription medication for the treatment of male-pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia. It is manufactured by Merck & Co. and was approved by the FDA in 1997.

What causes male-pattern baldness?

In men with a genetic predisposition to baldness, the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) binds to receptors in hair follicles on the top of the scalp. Over time, DHT hormones damages hair follicles and causes a receding hairline and permanent baldness.

How Does Propecia Work?

Propecia is a 5α-reductase inhibitor (5-ARI). It works by blocking an enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT, which reduces levels of DHT by 65% or more within 24 hours.

What are side effects of Propecia?

The most common side effect — reported in at least 1% of patients — is decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation disorders.

Has the FDA issued safety warnings?

Sexual Dysfunction: In 2011, the FDA added “persistent erectile dysfunction” to the label. In 2012, the FDA added libido, ejaculation, and orgasm disorders to the list of persistent sexual side effects.

High-Grade Prostate Cancer: In June 2011, the FDA warned about the risk of serious, aggressive prostate cancer that grows and spreads faster than low-grade prostate cancer.

Depression: In March 2011, “depression” and “suicidal thoughts or behavior” were added to the label.

Does Propecia cause sexual dysfunction?

Clear causal links between Propecia and sexual adverse events have NOT been established.

How many cases have been reported?

The FDA received 421 reports of sexual dysfunction from 1998-2011. Of these, 59 reported sexual dysfunction that persisted at least 3 months after stopping Propecia. As of mid-2016, over 1,000 lawsuits had reported persistent sexual dysfunction.

What sexual side effects are linked to Propecia?

Erectile dysfunction (impotence)

Libido disorders

Orgasm disorders

Poor semen quality

Ejaculation disorders

Decreased libido

Infertility

What studies have linked Propecia and sexual dysfunction?

In clinical trials, 36 (3.8%) of 945 men treated with Propecia reported at least one symptom of sexual dysfunction, compared to 20 (2.1%) on a placebo.

What is Post-Finasteride Syndrome?

Post-Finasteride Syndrome is a group of symptoms that have been reported in men who stop Propecia. The symptoms include loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, panic attacks, Peyronie’s disease, penile shrinkage, gynecomastia, muscle atrophy, cognitive impairment, insomnia, dry skin, and tinnitus.

How many lawsuits have been filed?

As of mid-2016, there were approximately 1,000 federal Propecia lawsuits centralized in federal court in New York. Hundreds of additional cases are pending in state court in New Jersey.

Can I join a class action?

There is no class action lawsuit for men with sexual dysfunction from Propecia, and it is unlikely that one will be filed. Because each case is so different, they need to be handled individually. Another problem is that class actions are not designed to maximize compensation for men with the most serious injuries.

Have the lawsuits been centralized in federal court?

Yes. Since April 2012, all federal Propecia lawsuits have been centralized under U.S. District Judge John Gleeson in the Eastern District of New York, as part of Multi-District Litigation (MDL No. 2331). The first trials are scheduled for September 2017.

How can a lawyer help?

Our lawyers will review your case for free and let you know if you qualify to join this litigation. If you decide to file a lawsuit, we may be able to help you seek compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and more.

How much time do I have to file a lawsuit?

The amount of time you have (called the “statute of limitations”) varies depending on the state where you live. It could be as short as 1 year, or as long as 6 years from the date of your injury.

Are there settlements?

No. The litigation is still in its early stages. Merck & Co. has not offered any settlements. It is possible that settlement negotiations will occur after trials in 2017.

Do I have a Propecia Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Propecia induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us a case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.

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